Johnny Depp has paid tribute to the life of his late Pirates of the Caribbean co-star, Tamayo Perry.
Perry, a waterman and lifeguard with the Honolulu Ocean Safety Agency, died in June after being attacked by a shark while surfing near Malaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore. He was 49 years old.
In addition to being a legendary surfer, Perry was also an actor who appeared in films like Blue Crush, Hawaii Five-0 and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
Depp shared a black-and-white photo of Perry and his wife of 25 years, Emilia, wearing wetsuits and holding surfboards.
Widow of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actor Tamayo Perry ‘heartbroken’ over husband killed in shark attack
Johnny Depp has paid tribute to the life of “Pirates of the Caribbean” actor Tamayo Perry, who died in a shark attack in June. (Getty Images)
“I remember Tamayo well, even though it was many years ago,” Depp wrote, “as a wonderful person with a big heart and a passion for life.”
Hawaii lifeguard dies after being attacked by shark while surfing: ‘tragic loss’
He added: “Emilia, sending you my love and strength. Thinking of you always. Love, Johnny. X.”
Depp said he remembers Tamayo as “a lovely man with a big heart.” (Instagram/Johnny Depp)
Depp linked to a crowdfunding campaign offering people the chance to support the “Legacy of Tamayo Perry,” which has raised more than $110,000 of its $200,000 goal since it was launched last month.
“It was many years ago, but I remember her well. She was a lovely person with a big heart and a passion for life.”
“While his death may be tragic, he left this world doing what he loved, in the place he loved,” the site said. “We take comfort in knowing he is in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ, trading barrels with friends who have gone before him down the pipeline.”
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It added: “These funds will help Emilia navigate a future without her husband, best friend and nurturer, Tamayo. We will continue to share Tamayo’s message of love, faith in Jesus Christ and living life to the fullest with those who care.”
Perry was an accomplished waterman and a local Hawaiian surfing legend. (Steve Robertson/Getty Images)
Emilia Perry said: “Good morning, America” Last month, he said “the best 25-year holiday of my life” had come to an abrupt end.
“I’m very upset and devastated, but I also feel a strange calm in my heart because I know he’s in a better place,” she said.
Perry’s devout Christian faith keeps her strong, even now when her husband is no longer physically by her side.
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Before her death, Tamayo reportedly sent a message to her family saying, “I can’t wait to meet the King. I’m more excited than scared. We must pray, forgive and love each other.”
Perry, 49, was a highly respected and “legendary sailor,” according to Honolulu’s mayor. (Facebook/Tamayo Perry)
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She told the outlet that her husband was advocating “ways to be a better person.”
“Love the people you have now because you never know when they’re going to be taken away from you,” Emilia Perry said.
